Starting a restaurant is no easy task, but a worthwhile endeavor for those who do it right.

One of the most important things to remember when starting a business, especially a business in the food and beverage industry, is to have the right amount of insurance. While that may seem like a no-brainer to some, it's always amazing how often people don't have all of their assets covered with - at the very least - a basic insurance plan.

Pick a Plan, Any Plan

Ask an Agent for Advice

An insurance agent can talk to you about the type of risks your business could face and identify losses that your business may incur in virtually any situation. Some insurance agents also can offer pay-as-you-go options that help new businesses get the insurance they need without breaking the budget.

One thing to remember is that you will want to have the appropriate amount of insurance to meet your needs. Unscrupulous agents may try to sell you insurance that you don't need, so be sure to speak up if you think you're being taken advantage of.

For instance, if you're starting a new restaurant and do not serve liquor, then you won't need any liquor liability insurance. That may seem like a no-brainer, but some people find themselves with liquor liability insurance when they purchasean all-inclusive plan in an attempt to save money. Don't be afraid to buy individual plans to meet your needs.

Can Your Restaurant Weather the Storm

Another thing to consider when opening a restaurant is the climate. If you're opening a restaurant in northern Michigan, then you'll definitely want to have some kind of insurance to protect your assets should the pipes burst during a hard freeze. The same can be said for those opening a restaurant in south Florida, only in that instance, insurance would need to protect the business from tropical storms, hurricanes, and the like.

Good Coverage Keeps Restaurant Doors Open

The biggest lesson to learn here is that insurance agents can tell you about the products that you may need and will let you decide if you want to purchase them or not. That's not to say that you can pick and choose all of your insurance coverage; after all, many forms of insurance are required by local, state, and federal laws for various types of businesses, and the restaurant industry is no exception.

All smiles is the goal.

It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to owning and operating a business. Just one uncovered act of nature can be so costly that your restaurant doors will close for good.

Dana Rasmussen Dana Rasmussen writes about various forms of insurance for new businesses. When she's not busy writing, she owns a small business that is heavily insured.